Tuned manual N54/55s and reliability.

[Kerrits]

I've gathered that there are plenty of people here who run all different levels of JB4 tunes, and then there are all the other kinds of tunes which I have no idea about.

I know BMW performance power pack gives the manual cars less power and torque than the auto models. (430Nm vs 450Nm)That tells me that they are slightly less confident in their manual gearboxes handling the torque.

Yet I see cars here making significantly more.

BMW also installs all manner of cooling upgrades.

So, everyone running mods and have manual gearboxes, have you had anything break?
How long have you had the mods for?
How often do you go at it full tilt?

Auto guys can of course weigh in as well.

When you hang around with the wrong crowd, you start thinking about all manner of stuff you would normally not even think of...

 

[Sleeper135i]

Manual box's are strong. Would even say they are stronger than the auto.

I have had a JB4 for 2 years.
Have run meth injection everyday for almost a year and a half.
Car is driven hard every time. Makes 277wkw in it's everyday trim.
A couple of track sessions and a load of drag strip events.
Not one issue yet. except chargepipe blowing off(not tight enough)

If you take care of the car and are smart with it there is no reason for it to go wrong. I always check the car over, check fluids, never push it harder than I think it can handle, never raise boost above safe limits and make sure my shifts are clean and don't abuse the clutch.

 

[Kerrits]

That says a lot for reliability of these cars. What's your mileage at the moment?

Pity that you're the only one that replied. I was hoping that more people would share.

 

[Rolf]

BMW also installs all manner of cooling upgrades.

Pls don't forget that these kits are developped for overseas conditions!

We already have the "hot weather pack" fitted so no need to do "cooling upgrades" from the radiator point of view.

What you should look at is a bigger intercooler to get denser air to your engine which automatically improves power and burn cycles!

Promotec recommend WT Intercooler (see also HERE)

 

[Sleeper135i]

Car has done about 75000km
25000 km with JB4 and meth.

Honestly, Intercooler is prob one of the last upgrades to do powerwise, and value for money imo.
Software, upgraded Diverter valves and Chargpipe first.
Then Meth or Downpipes, give you best bang for buck.

Extra cooling is not needed unless you track the car, mine overheated after 4 laps of Zwartkops, but for everyday driving it's fine.

 

[bybyM3]

Car has done about 75000km
25000 km with JB4 and meth.

Honestly, Intercooler is prob one of the last upgrades to do powerwise, and value for money imo.
Software, upgraded Diverter valves and Chargpipe first.
Then Meth or Downpipes, give you best bang for buck.

Extra cooling is not needed unless you track the car, mine overheated after 4 laps of Zwartkops, but for everyday driving it's fine.

i second this statement.